Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and will be away from the team for an indefinite period. He will continue to be paid and will return to the club “when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators,” per the NHL and NHL Players Association release.

Advertisement

“I have made a proactive decision to take care of my mental health and will be entering treatment for severe anxiety and depression that has gone untreated for too long and led to alcohol abuse,” Girard said in a statement through his agency, CAA. “Taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help should you feel like you need it. I want to express my gratitude to my wife, family, friends, the club, my teammates, and the fans for their patience, understanding and continued support.”

The 25-year-old Girard is a top-four defenseman for the Avalanche and has three points in 15 games this season. He has missed the past two games for personal reasons. Caleb Jones will likely be the primary player to fill in during his absence.

Girard is in his seventh NHL season and was part of Colorado’s Stanley Cup winning team in 2022, though he got hurt in the Avalanche’s second round series against St. Louis and missed the rest of the playoffs. Known for his skating and playmaking, he has 185 points in 431 career games. He is in the fourth year of a seven-year deal worth $5 million annually.

(Photo: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)